WASHINGTON, D.C. – An organization in Hardin County has been awarded new federal resources to create jobs. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced that Ohio Northern University was awarded $92,826 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) Program to promote small business growth in Allen, Hancock, Hardin and Wyandot Counties.

“Thanks to these federal resources, small businesses throughout northwest Ohio will have a better shot at creating new opportunities and jobs in small towns and rural areas,” Brown said. “Small businesses are essential to our economy, and through this award, local communities and their residents can lead the way in rural economic development.”

Through Ohio Northern University’s Entrepreneurship Program, the funds will provide technical support in the form of one-on-one counseling, classes and workshops to assist 20 businesses and create 12 jobs.

Earlier this year, Brown introduced the The Business Incubator Promotion Act which would help make more Ohio communities eligible to receive funds that support business incubators through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA).

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